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Can I use excel in McKinsey Imbellus game or only scratch paper is allowed?

Digital McKinsey McKinsey PST
New answer on Aug 18, 2021
4 Answers
8.5 k Views
Cindy asked on Aug 17, 2021
Experienced Hire, preparing for McKinsey Round 1 in Sep and looking for a case partner

Hi, I am wondering if excel can be used during McKinsey PSG?

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Agrim
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 18, 2021
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

Although Francesco is the best authority on this - what I have seen in the game is that Excel will hold you back. There is a large amount of data entry in order to set-it-up.

It would be better to make calculated 80:20 judgement calls using your logic and a scratch paper.

Try to practice the equivalent commercial games in order to get a feel for it.

For the ecosystem game - you have Equilinox on Steam. The game allows you to create balanced ecosystems where you need to identify the right set of flora & fauna that will go together. Practicing the game will give you an eye for the details and how to process it.

For the tower defense game - pick anything you'd like - Plants vs Zombies, Kingdom Rush etc. Try to get a knack for how to strategise. 

Happy to chat more about the reservations you may have in your Imbellus prep.

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Francesco
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replied on Aug 18, 2021
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Cindy,

Yes you can, however I would recommend a second computer to avoid issues with the tracking (during the Imbellus they track where you move the cursor on the screen).

Best,

Francesco

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Florian
Expert
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replied on Aug 18, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

If you take the PSG from home, you should use an Excel, however, not as Agrim thinks to enter ALL data but rather to enter select pieces of data to test your hypotheses on 

  • what food chain
  • what food chain - location match

There are good Excel templates out there that do that for you :-)

Cheers,

Florian

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Aug 18, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Cindy,

You can pretty much use whatever you like?

That said, please be very careful here. I know quite a few candidates that have “overprepared" and told me they regretted using excel on the game…they felt they could have done better with pen and paper.

Personal choice of course! Play to your strengths.

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